Common Questions ______
Music Selection Processional, interlude and recessional ceremony music is the most important selections. Special request music for the ceremony is accepted and encouraged. There are audio samples and repertoire lists of the highly requested music and common choices for solo and ensembles.
Cocktail music is usually left up to the discretion of Rich Barry although a preferred direction and style can be helpful.
Setup Setup usually takes no more than 30 minutes. The equipment for amplification of the guitar, other instruments (if applicable) and the officiant and readers is seamless, simple and elegant. Wireless microphones and lapels and a L1 Bose Speakers are utilized.
A standard 120v plug is required within 100 feet of the performance area for amplification. A battery powered amplifier is also available in the case where there are no power outlets. The only requirement is a chair for each musician.
Dress Depending on the event, the client can choose from business casual, black suit, and formal tuxedo. A pressed black suit and tie is the default.
Cue A heads up around a minute before the procession begins will assure the perfect musical moment execution. Ten seconds is a perfect amount of silence that often serves as a cue for the members of the congregation to be silent for the procession.
Music Selection ______
CEREMONY PARTS
Prelude Prelude is the music prior to the ceremony processions. It is generally 30 minutes of light classical and romantic music as guests are arriving and being seated. The choice of pieces during the prelude is often left to the discretion of the musician(s).
Bridal Party Processional The wedding party’s processional marks the official beginning of the wedding ceremony. It should have a slow but flowing feel for ushering the mothers and grandmothers, bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party down the aisle. For some weddings, the same music is used for the wedding party and the bridal procession. Popular wedding music and music with personal significance to the bride and groom are often used for the ceremony processions.
Bridal Processional Entrance processional of the wedding party and bride is generally very stately, elegant music at a walking tempo. The bridal processional is usually a separate music from the bridal party’s processional. The bridal processional is the most personal and important music in the ceremony. There should be a brief 3-5 second pause between the bridal party procession and the bride’s procession. Sometimes a wedding coordinator, assistant or guest gives a cue.
Interlude (Optional) The interlude can actually be many different moments in the wedding ceremony. For most wedding ceremonies, the interlude is the unity candle, memorial candle, or rose presentation. These are moments of quiet reflection, and the wedding music you choose should complement this mood.
Recessional Departure or the wedding party from the ceremony site is generally celebratory and jubilant music. Guest generally depart immediately or very soon after the wedding party to reception area or site. This is the last music for the ceremony. Please check out the wedding music pages of this site for examples of recessional music selections.
Postlude The postlude to your wedding sets a pleasant atmosphere as guests are leaving. It can last between 5 and 10 minutes, so it’s best to treat the postlude like the prelude music and simply give the musicians an idea of what you want. Experienced wedding musicians will play postlude music that is refined but upbeat, adding the finishing touch to your wedding.
TRADITIONAL SELECTIONS ______
Canon in D major by Johann Pachelbel Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire by Johann S. Bach Builds intensity and emotion. Very popular Slowly and reverently played
Ave Maria by Franz Schubert Doxology by Anonymous Traditional mother's music Music for lighting Unity Candle
Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner Air on the G String by Johann S. Bach Traditional Wedding music Gradually builds emotion with long phrases
Largo of Winter by Antonio Vivaldi Water Music by George F. Handel Calm and reverently played Timeless, elegant and royal
Sheep May Safely Graze by Johann S. Bach Sleepers Awake by Johann S. Bach Calm and Flowing Stately and Traditional
Trumpet Tune by Henry Purcell Prelude from BWV 1007 by Johann S. Builds intensity and emotion, Very popular Upbeat and optimistic
Prelude No. 1 of WTC by Johann S. Bach Romance by Traditional Traditional and formal wedding march Beautiful and Romantic
Meditation from Thais by Messanet Ave Maria by Gounod Mysterious and Sophisticated Flowing and Mothers Music
Ave Verum Corpus by Wolfgang Mozart Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn Grand and Serious Building and traditional
Be Thou With Me by Johann Sebastian Bach Processional by George Handel Gentle Grand and high spirited
Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke Ode to Joy by Ludwig Van Beethoven Elegant piece Prince of Denmark’s March Joyous, spirited and energetic
UNIQUE GUITAR SELECTIONS ______
Andante in A minor by Johann S. Bach Cavatina by Stanley Myers Elegant and Processional Reserved and classic sounding
Evocacion by Jose Merlin Allegro from BWV 1003 by Johann S. Bach Slowly and reverently played Energetic piece for Bridal party
Aranjuez Concerto by Joaquin Rodrigo Recuerdos by Francisco Tarrega Energetic Bright and Cheerful
POPULAR MUSIC SELECTIONS ______
Viva La Vida - Coldplay All you Need is Love - Lennon/McCartney
Stand By Me - Jerry Leiber I’m Yours - Jason Mraz
Here Comes The Sun - George Harrison Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri All of Me - John Legend
Hallelujah - Cohen La Vie En Rose - Louiguy
Such Great Heights - The Postal Service Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran
God Only Knows - Beach Boys River Flows in You - Yiruma
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran Happy - Pharrell Williams
Free - Zach Brown Band Today - Smashing Pumpkins
Marry You - Bruno Mars Life House - You and Me
Over the Rainbow - Harold Arlen We Found Love - Rihanna
You’re Beautiful - James Blunt Marry Me - Train
Come Away With Me - Norah Jones You Everything - Michael Buble
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong All you Need is Love - Lennon/McCartney
Amazed - Lonestar Bless The Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
Beyond the Sea - Charles Trenet Make you Feel My Love - Adel
EXAMPLE PROGRAM ______
Prelude
Grave from a minor sonata Johann S. Bach Evocación from Suite Del Recuerdos Jose Merlin Preludio Saudade Augustin Barrios Spanish Romance Anonymous Una Limosna por el Amor del Dios Augustin Barrios Romance Niccolò Paganini Recuerdos de la Alhambra Francisco Tárrega Andante Johann S. Bach
Ceremony
Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bridal Party Processional) Johann S. Bach Canon in D major (Bridal Processional) Johann Pachelbel Trumpet Voluntary (Bridal Recessional) Jeremiah Clarke
Cocktail Hour
Suite del Recuerdos Jose Merlin What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong Somewhere over the Rainbow Harold Arlen La Vie en Rose Louiguy I’ve Got Rhythm George Gershwin Muerte del Angel Ástor Piazzolla Autumn Leaves Joseph Kosma Beyond the Sea Charles Trenet
Moon River Henry Manell Fly Me to the Moon Bart Howard Allegro from La Catedral Augustin Barrios Besame Mucho Consuelo Velazquez Under the Bridge Red Hot Chilli Peppers Dream a Little Dream of me Wilbur Schwandt Primavera Porteno Ástor Piazzolla Leyenda Issac Albeniz
Logistics Form
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Please send this form or send a note with the following information to Rich Barry via e-mail or post within 30 days prior to the date of the wedding ceremony.
Wedding Party
_____ # of Bridesmaids _____ # of Mothers _____ # Ring Bearers
_____ # of Grooms Men _____ # of Grandmothers _____ # Flower Girls
Ceremony Music
______Procession of Parents/Grandparents (optional)
______Procession of Bridal Party
______Procession of Bride
______Recession of Wedding Party
Setup Details
_____ Ceremony Electrical Available OR _____ Battery Powered Required
_____ Cocktail Electrical Available OR _____ Battery Powered Required
_____ Outdoor Ceremony OR _____ Indoor Ceremony
_____ Outdoor Cocktail OR _____ Indoor Cocktail
_____ Number of Attendees
_____ Estimate of distance of Isle
Dress
_____ Black Suit OR _____ Khaki Casual OR _____ Tuxedo
Other Notes
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